First Handgun - What .45

I am about to buy my first handgun and wnated to get some feedback from everyone here.

I have been to the range and rented the HK, Sig and XD .45's. I noticed a slight difference between them. The only real difference to me was cost and the XD was quite a bit less expensive. I have the following questions:

1. Am I missing something in not going with the HK or Sig as opposed to the XD?

2. I did not try a 1911. Is there a benefit to a 1911 over the others?

There is a huge benefit to the 1911. The trigger and the rest of the action are glass smooth on all but the bottom end 1911s. A smooth action allows for more accurate initial shots and quicker and more accurate follow up shots.

The 1911 also has a much slimmer profile than double stacked pistols, so they disappear under clothing much easier. A full sized 1911 will be more easily concealed than a compact Sig, Glock or H&K.

First gun I bought glock 30, traded it in for a glock 36, traded that in for an HK USP compact, then finally I traded that in for a kimber 1911 tactical carry. Moral of the story save yourself money you will end up with a 1911 anyway. Don't get me wrong they are all great guns but they are all also gateway drugs into the wonderful world of 1911 amphetamine. Now I am a student with no money and an awful 1911 habit. I might hit rock bottom but it will be with a whole lot of firepower. Check the 1911 out you won't regret it.

First gun I bought glock 30, traded it in for a glock 36, traded that in for an HK USP compact, then finally I traded that in for a kimber 1911 tactical carry. Moral of the story save yourself money you will end up with a 1911 anyway. Don't get me wrong they are all great guns but they are all also gateway drugs into the wonderful world of 1911 amphetamine. Now I am a student with no money and an awful 1911 habit. I might hit rock bottom but it will be with a whole lot of firepower. Check the 1911 out you won't regret it.

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My first pistol was a full sized USP in .45 ACP. I walked into a gun shop to buy some ammo on the way out to the woods one day, and was eyeing a CDP. The guy behind the counter said for $20 I got 2 full magazines and the range time to burn them.

That same day, I swapped my USP for $400 of a new Kimber Compact II. 10 days later I took it out and ran a couple hundred rounds through it. After that day, I swore that I wouldn't own anything less than a 1911.

Congratulations on your upcoming .45 purchase. I have a number of .45's including Sig and HK and have shot the XD but do not own one. Renting a number of pistols is a good way to start your selection.

Since you have your caliber picked your next step is to pick an action type (meaning the way the pistol functions). Most Sigs and HK'sare called double action-single action pistols (DA/SA). Pulling the trigger for the first shot is long and runs about 10-12 pounds of effort. Each shot after requires less effort (usually 4-6 pounds). DA/SA pistols have been around for a long time and are safe and reliable. The downside is you have to learn two trigger pulls, the DA and the SA pull. Once you have done it a few hundred times it becomes commited to muscle memory and you can shoot it well without thinking.

A double action pistol means the trigger pull is usually long and somewhat heavy with every shot. These are also quite safe and you only have to learn one trigger pull. Most revolvers function this way and many automatic pistols as well (think Glock).

A single action pistol means the hammer is already cocked so it only requires a light pull of the trigger to fire the pistol. These usually come with a safety that has to be unlocked before pulling the trigger. The 1911 series pistols are the most popular example of a single action pistol. A reasonable 1911 pistol is a joy to shoot and I think easier to shoot well due to the minimal trigger pull effort needed.

Once you decide on the action type you need to decide what the pistol will be used for. If it is for the range or home defense a full size pistol will work. If it is for carry you may prefer a smaller, lighter pistol.

Now some comments on your choices so far. I have the HK-USP compact .45. It is light, reliable and accurate. It also has the worst double action trigger of any of my pistols, was expensive and spare mags are also expensive, and I have had problems locating aftermarket parts or service.

I have a number of Sig .45's. They are also expensive but aftermarket mags are not too bad. Parts are readily available as is service. They only ship with one magazine now instead of two mags as done previously. At present I think thery are overpriced and would look elsewhere, even though they are of exceptional quality.

The XD-45 is a high cap .45 that has gotten good reviews and has a much more reasonable price. Since I have only shot it once I do not have a good informed opinion on it.

If you get a chance to try out some more .45's do it. Take a look at the Glock 21 and 30. And give a 1911 pistol a run, eventually you will want one.

So what do I carry? I like the older compact DA/SA pistols- either a Sig p245 or Smith-Wesson 4516 (but I am an old dinosaur).

If you don't have the hands of a 12 year old, try the springfield XD45. I picked one up earlier this year & have greatly enjoyed its simplicity. I had been thinking i wanted a 9mm for the extra capacity in the magazine, but this one holds lucky number 13 (not the compact). It is very comfortable and natural for me, and i haven't been into regular target practice in maybe a decade. There is a pics thread in the XD section of the forum, take a look & then go hold one at a shop or range.

If you don't have the hands of a 12 year old, try the springfield XD45. I picked one up earlier this year & have greatly enjoyed its simplicity. I had been thinking i wanted a 9mm for the extra capacity in the magazine, but this one holds lucky number 13 (not the compact). It is very comfortable and natural for me, and i haven't been into regular target practice in maybe a decade. There is a pics thread in the XD section of the forum, take a look & then go hold one at a shop or range.

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thats a good point there... he should hold a few different guns to see what fits in his hands the best. luckily for me i have some fairly large hands so i have no problem holding a larger framed gun, but on the other hand small frames are uncomfortable to me. thats why i wont look at anything smaller than a 9mm in a semi

I went to the range and shot a 1911 along with the handguns I tried before. The result was that I will be getting the XD45 for my first handgun. It performed very well compared to the other non 1911's and the price is right.

That said, I will be saving up for a 1911 right away. I want to try out a few different models/manufacturers before I make that leap. The nicer ones seem to be pretty pricey and I want to make sure I get the right one for me when I finally purchase.